Laurence B. Amazona and John Robert Francis Naveros, the esteemed President and Vice President of the Aurora State College of Technology Supreme Student Council (ASCOT SCSC), have been selected as two of the 70 who participated at the MasterPEACE VI: Youth as Vanguards of Society Against Violent Extremism. This event was organized by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) in Iligan City from October 16 to 18, 2023. Their journey is filled with activities designed to champion peace, unity, and the empowerment of the youth.
The inaugural day of this three-day endeavor embarks on a journey of exploration as participants visit Iligan City and Marawi City. The highlight of their excursion is the visit to Ground Zero in Marawi, a poignant site echoing the devastation of conflict but also the indomitable spirit of the local populace in their quest for revival and hope. During this day, our youth representatives also seize the opportunity to engage with women and youth who are internally displaced persons (IDPs), offering a profound glimpse into their challenges and the resilience they exemplify.
The second day of the event is dedicated to the Gender-Responsive Project Formulation Workshop. In this setting, participants engage in dynamic discussions and activities, working together to formulate projects that address gender-related issues and promote peace. This initiative is a testament to the organizers’ commitment to empower the youth as catalysts for positive change.
During the third day, participants immerse themselves in finalizing and presenting their project proposals, showcasing their newly acquired knowledge and zeal to foster peace and unity within society. The culmination of these remarkable events is marked by the presentation of certificates and a symbolic oath of commitment to peace, accompanied by the signing of a significant tarpaulin.
Amazona and Naveros, radiating with pride and excitement, offer insights into their selection. In response to the question of how they were chosen as representatives for ASCOT, they reveal, “We underwent a week-long application process, open to all student leaders in the Philippines advocating for peace and order in our communities. This event was facilitated by OPAPRU and posted by the National Youth Commission (NYC). As ASCOT SCSC is a Youth Organization Registration Program (YORP) Registered Organization, we submitted our credentials for evaluation. Through a rigorous assessment, we were chosen as participants.
“We are thrilled to be part of this life-changing experience, representing ASCOT and our fellow youth,” John Robert said.
In a message to the youth and the ASCOT community, Laurence and John call for unity, saying, “Let’s dismantle the stereotypes surrounding our diverse cultures and religions, and together, let’s promote peace. It’s a responsibility that belongs to each one of us.”
The significance of such student exposure to the ASCOT community cannot be overstated. It serves as a beacon of inspiration, motivating students within the institution to advocate for peace and unity and encouraging them to be the driving forces for positive change in their communities. Laurence B. Amazon and John Robert Francis Naveros, through their participation in MasterPEACE VI, symbolize the potential of youth to influence a harmonious future for the Philippines. Their journey is not just a personal achievement but a collective inspiration for the ASCOT community and beyond.
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